Ed Wells: GED remains important starting point

Friday

Aug 27, 2010 at 12:01 AMAug 27, 2010 at 10:14 PM

Happy news! Willie, the son of a friend of mine and a knucklehead for a number of unproductive years, has achieved his GED.

Ed Wells

Happy news! Willie, the son of a friend of mine and a knucklehead for a number of unproductive years, has achieved his GED. Yes, it was tough, but Willie stuck to it. Now he is part of the race. He’s still behind, but now at least he is in it. Your high school diploma or your GED is the first step toward independence and self-worth. A high school diploma or GED tells the world you can stick it out; you can follow directions, study and learn material. A high school diploma or GED gets your feet in the door.

I’m proud of Willie. He could have given up, which would have been the easiest thing to do. Now, Willie has to concentrate on getting work. Getting decent work in Rockford today is a challenge. His record is not clean, but there is no violence. Willie’s record is like that of many man-boys today, full of stupid stuff. Willie needs a job; he needs work. Work for an American is like water. You must have it if you want to survive with some dignity.

I followed Willie through most of his ordeals. He should be proud of himself, but he also should thank his mother for being great, and he should thank his parole officer. These two, with some others, helped Willie pull himself out of the hole he had dug. There is still a long way to go. He needs that job and his own place. Willie’s time with momma should end quickly, and he should be out on his own.

It’s a start; it’s hope; and the Winnebago County corrections parole office should take a bow. The money we as taxpayers save by having young men like Willie educated and working is significant. Programs to help those like Willie are important to them and to us. Keeping people out of jail should be the priority, not building more prisons.

I think Willie’s earlier troubles were a wake-up call to do better. With the GED he can now keep working to get his life on track. We can help people like Willie by giving them a chance. A job, any job, would be a great boost to Willie’s self-esteem. That’s what it is really about — respect. We need money to survive in this society, but most men need more. They need respect. A job gives a man respect and confidence.

I’m going to wait awhile and let Willie dive into the job market before I try to call in some favors for him if it seems necessary. With his GED, I can finally see some light at the end of Willie’s tunnel. He gets a job, goes to Rock Valley for additional classes. Who knows where Willie can go now?

It starts with the high school diploma. Kids today must take school and its work more seriously. High school is important; just ask Willie, who has fought his way back into the race.
Congratulations, Willie, you’ve earned it.

Ed Wells of Rockford writes a weekly column for the Rockford Register Star. If you would like to comment, e-mail opinions@rrstar.com